When people hear the term creative workshop, preconceived ideas often arise that risk limiting its true meaning. Many imagine it as a simple pastime, some associate it exclusively with children, while others believe that special talents or strong artistic skills are required to take part. In reality, many of these are myths worth challenging.
1. “Creative workshops are only for those who can draw”
One of the most common misconceptions is that creativity is an innate gift. In fact, creativity is a skill that can be trained. Many people avoid creative workshops because they fear they are not “artistic enough” or that they will not be able to produce something aesthetically pleasing.
A creative workshop is not an art course, nor is its aim to discover talent. There is no need to know how to draw, paint or model clay: within the process, each person is free to create by choosing the materials and techniques they prefer. With practice and professional support, technical skills may also improve.
In a creative workshop, the final result does not matter. The goal is not to create something “beautiful”, but to value the creative process and the transformation it activates. Experimenting, making mistakes, searching for new solutions and imagining are what count. There is no need to “know how to do”, only the willingness to take part without fear of mistakes or judgement.
2. “It is an activity only for children”
Creative workshops are widely used in education, but this does not mean they are reserved for children. Adults, adolescents, professionals and older people can all benefit: they improve concentration and self-esteem, reduce stress and stimulate lateral thinking.
3. “It is just a leisure activity”
Enjoyment and pleasure are certainly important components, but they are not the only ones. A creative workshop, whether individual or in small groups, can be a powerful tool for personal growth, learning and collaboration. Through manual and expressive activities, transversal skills such as cooperation, communication and problem-solving are developed.
4. “It is only useful for people with disabilities or those who have experienced trauma”
Creative workshops are often seen as a “repair” intervention reserved for people in crisis or with disabilities. In reality, they are powerful tools for personal growth and are also extremely useful for those who wish to:
develop creativity and spontaneity
manage everyday stress more effectively
improve self-awareness
increase self-esteem and confidence in their expressive abilities
5. “It is just a relaxing activity”
Creative workshops are sometimes perceived as superficial activities, suitable only for children or as a relaxing pastime. Although they can be enjoyable and relaxing, they are a discipline capable of addressing complex themes such as trauma, grief, anxiety and depression.
They act as a bridge between the conscious and the unconscious. The created image becomes a non-verbal intermediary, allowing individuals to face and process emotions that may be intense or difficult to express in words. This is therapeutic work carried out by trained professionals.
6. “They interpret my work and tell me what is wrong with me”
There is no interpretation or correction. Everything that emerges from the person’s creative process is welcomed.
The specialist supports the individual through images, creativity and imagination, facilitating the expression and processing of their inner world. After building a relationship of trust, the art therapist guides each pathway towards individual goals, identified through continuous work outside the workshop.
Between sessions, the professional gathers and analyses what has emerged through the decoding of visual art, with the aim of supporting artistic production and transforming thoughts and emotions into communicable symbols. With the therapist’s support, the person is guided to understand and give meaning to their artistic experience.
A creative workshop is a safe space in which to explore ideas, emotions and possibilities. It is a place without “right” or “wrong”, without judgement, only creative experience. Overcoming these myths means recognising that creativity belongs to everyone and can become a powerful tool for expression, inclusion and change.
Each of us is a creator of images.
